NEW ORLEANS -- Whitworth University's cross country teams have been recognized by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) for outstanding academic performance during the 2007 season.

The Pirate women posted a cumulative team grade point average (GPA) of 3.57 through the fall semester, while the men had a cumulative team GPA of 3.39.

Overall, there were 99 Division III men’s cross country teams (out of a total of 379) that received the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team award. A total of 141 Division III women’s programs received the USTFCCCA’s All-Academic Team honors this year compared to 112 schools from last season. Just over a third of all Division III institutions (390) who sponsor women’s cross country received the honor.

For a team to be considered for the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team award, they must have competed and compiled a team score at an NCAA Regional Meet. The team must also have a minimum 3.10 team cumulative grade point average.